The Impact of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

By Jessamae Bronola

Today’s workforce is made up of people from different races, ages, genders, religions and lifestyles. Many organizations recognize that the workforce is changing, and they are working to build a work environment in which diversity and differences are appreciated and valued so that employees can work to their fullest potential. It is the job of the management of an organization to fit together those different bits of mosaic in a pleasant, harmonized way and maximize the capabilities and talents of each employee. Diversity can lend a competitive advantage to an organization if skillfully managed, but if not, an organization can be negatively affected by having an unwelcoming work environment.

A diverse working culture would be beneficial to an organization in numerous ways, especially in terms of its productivity and efficiency. When diversity is properly managed, the result is that all people would feel valued and consider themselves important no matter what their differences are. Giving employees the chance to work with various people who bring different skills and opinions to the table would help them realize that everyone is valued and important for different reasons. Feeling valued would have a positive impact and could improve the morale of each worker, encouraging positivity and productivity in the workplace.

Letting culturally diverse workers brainstorm together could result in bringing a wide selection of solutions to the table. When people from different backgrounds and cultures work together, they are exposed to various perspectives and viewpoints they become comfortable hearing, and in turn, encourages them to share different opinions and ideas. With more ideas to choose from, the more chances of finding the best possible solution.

Businesses must also be aware of the impact of cultural diversity on significant business factors, especially communication. Being able to communicate effectively in different parts of the world is a key benefit, as well as knowing how to build relationships and understanding cultural distinctions and differences in doing business in foreign countries. With a workforce that acknowledges these concepts, you build the possibility to efficiently improve your business in the market.

Having culturally diverse workers is one of the greatest assets a business can have. No matter what the customer’s language or culture is, organizations need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and fully understand their needs. It would be essential to an organization to have people on their staff with the background and skills to do so. In addition, clients and communities would be attracted to organizations that hire people who are similar to them. For this reason, managing and hiring diverse people is a big plus in the global market.

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About the author:

Jessa earned her degree in BS Psychology from the University of San Carlos.